Religion Blog

The Southern Baptist Convention yesterday voted overwhelmingly to oppose the Boy Scouts of
America’s decision to admit gay members, saying that homosexual conduct is contrary to a Scout’s
oath to do his duty to God.

The Southern Baptists, the nation’s largest Protestant denomination, approved the resolution at
its annual convention in Houston. The resolution requires no action by member churches, with
churches left to decide individually whether to stop sponsoring Scout troops.

Some other U.S. religious leaders are severing their relationships with the Boy Scouts of
America, saying they no longer will permit Scout troops to meet at their churches.

The Boy Scouts has deep ties to churches all over the country, with about 70 percent of the
group’s more than 100,000 units chartered by faith-based organizations.